The Cheapest Sega 32X Games Worth Your Time

When you add a console to your collection, the first thing you want to do is get a handful of games to keep you busy with your new toy. However, most of us can’t spend afford to spend fat pile of cash for a few games. This budget-friendly list should help you quickly find which games will start you off well without emptying your wallet. (Prices listed are an average eBay price for US games, including shipping.)Check out the other Cheapest Games Worth Your Time articles

Cheap Classics

Virtua Racing Deluxe: $6 At a time when 3D games were only to be seen in cutting-edge arcade systems or PCs, Virtua Racing on the 32X was jaw-dropping. In fact, the 32X is still considered superior to the later Sega Saturn version. The 32X did a wonderful job pushing the polygons in order to provide a smooth and enjoyable ride along a number of fun-filled tracks. Virtua Racing Deluxe also had a good selection of cars and tracks and remains as one of the main showpieces for the 32X.Shop for Virtua Racing Deluxe on eBayShop for Virtua Racing Deluxe on Amazon.com

Virtua Fighter: $5
While it doesn’t compare with Virtua Fighter Remix on the Saturn, Virtua Fighter on the 32X was another game that made the 32X attractive to die-hard Sega fans. (That is, before they knew the add-on was doomed) Overall, the animation on the 32X version was quite good and the controls were excellent. It seemed like Sega actually took the time to do a quality job instead of a rush to get it out the door. The Virtua games proved that the 32X was not a bad platform on its own, but Sega just executed the whole 16-bit-to-32-bit transition incredibly wrong.Shop for Virtua Fighter on eBayShop for Virtua Fighter on Amazon.com

Star Wars Arcade: $6
This on-rails shooter may seem pretty basic, but it is actually quite challenging (I can get very far) and, of course, it’s Star Wars. This port is actually a well done translation of the Model 1 arcade title. The sounds are suitably authentic and are a tremendous achievement for a cartridge based system. In the game, you pilot your X-Wing through each level, completing the assigned mission objectives as you go.Shop for Star Wars Arcade on eBayShop for Star Wars Arcade on Amazon.com

Tempo: $6
Developed by the same folks as the Bonk Series, Tempo is a platformer that is actually built around the concept of gameplay as performance art.. Tempo The game’s levels are actually sets built inside a TV studio, and an unseen audience often vocally reacts to the action on-screen. While it’s entirely possible to play through the game as if it were any other platformer, skilled play and the use of the more complex moves available to Tempo is pleasing to the audience to rack up points. Tempo also used the 32X’s 2D power and color capabilities to infuse the game with fluid animation and vibrant background graphics. This is an hidden gem that is quite as steal if you can find it.Shop for Tempo on eBayShop for Tempo on Amazon.com

DOOM: $4
The 32X version probably is one of the worst ports of DOOM available, but I still found it to be good for some hours of fun if you haven’t spoiled yourself too much with the PC or Jaguar version.Shop for DOOM on eBayShop for DOOM on Amazon.com

A Few Must-Haves Slightly Over $10

Knuckles Chaotix: $13
There wasn’t a true Sonic game in the entire 32-bit era (Sonic R and Sonic 3D Blast don’t count), but Knuckles Chaotix was pretty close. Because of this a true 2D Sonic collector needs to get his hands on a 32X and Chaotix. The game has the same fundamental elements as the original Sonic The Hedgehog trilogy, but adds the gimmick of 2-player cooperative gameplay that revolves around a the special ring force bond between characters. Both players are at all times connected on one single screen while neither player acts as the dominant force to move the game forward. Besides the staple of traditional Sonic moves and individual abilities this means some new tricks can be executed with the elastic force of the ring bond. It adds a great deal of depth and challenge to the otherwise basic Sonic formula and is either loved or hated by 32X owners.Shop for Knuckles Chaotix on eBayShop for Knuckles Chaotix on Amazon.com

Kolibri: $15This 2D shooter puts you in the role of a humming bird on a mission to destroy insect invaders such as wasps. Because of this nature them, Kolibri has a bit of and Ecco the Dolphin feel to it. Kolibri also has some of the most stunning 3D graphics on the 32X, so it is a wonderful showcase of a game in addition to being an interestingly unique shmup.Shop for Kolibri on eBayShop for Kolibri on Amazon.com

I had a 32X when I was a kid, and since I liked the sonic games, I got Knuckles Chaotix for it. That game is really great and even though I sold my 32x and Genesis without beating it, I eventually got into emulators and finally finished it…

I’d take Shadow Squadron over Star Wars Arcade any day of the week. Star Wars Arcade is just too basic and dull in comparison. I kind of wish I knew what it was like before I’d picked it up, but I was fresh off of my X-Wing kick, I’d never see the game in the local arcades, and I was thinking it’d be something completely different (basically I was thinking it’d be something like Shadow Squadron). Color me seriously disappointed by it.

One of these days I’ll shell out the big $$ for Stellar Assault SS…one of these days.

Fantastic blog. So many gamers, even retro gamers, scoff at the 32x for having nothing good on it. I’m a Sega and Space Harrier feak, so I see the benefit of owning one, but, even the GP2X community calls an effort to emulate the system a ‘waste of time’. Depressing, really.